Jammu and Kashmir

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State of north India; area 222,200 sq km/85,791 sq mi including area occupied by Pakistan and China; population (2001 est) 10,069,900 (Indian-occupied territory). The main cities are Jammu (winter capital), Srinagar (summer capital and the seat of state government), and Leh. The main industries include timber, silk, carpets, and handicrafts. The mountains, lakes, and rivers of the state are attractive to visitors, but the development of tourism has long been hindered by the unsettled political situation.

The state has semi-arid alluvial plains in the south and is mountainous towards the north, with the Karakoram range reaching heights of 4,000 m/13,000 ft, divided by river valleys (the Jhelum), and the Vale of Kashmir (1,600 m/5,250 ft), the most densely populated area. Agricultural products include grain and rice, and fruit round Dal Lake near Srinagar, in the Vale of Kashmir. Sheep and goats (including the Kashmir goat, whose wool is used for fine textiles) are reared in the far north.

Modelled on the French tricolour, the vertical stripes represent liberty and revolution. The almost square proportions of the flag are unusual. Effective date: 23 January 1831. >>